A CDE Definition

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piconet

Meaning "tiny" network, a piconet is a Bluetooth network composed of two or more Bluetooth devices that operate in close proximity on the same channel and frequency hopping sequence. Piconets operate in both ad hoc (peer-to-peer) and infrastructure (central base station) modes of operation.

Masters, Slaves and Scatternets
In a piconet, one device is the master, which establishes the frequency hopping scheme, and there can be up to seven active and 255 inactive slave devices. However, a slave in one piconet can be a master in another, creating a chain of piconets called a "scatternet" that extends the distance between all devices. See Bluetooth.

Bluetooth

The standard wireless network for short-range transmission of digital audio and data. Using radio waves, Bluetooth transmits through walls and other non-metal barriers. Although the term is synonymous with cellphone headsets and hands-free telephony in vehicles, Bluetooth is also used for wireless speakers, keyboards, mice, game controllers, smartwatches and more (for the different categories, see Bluetooth profiles). Constantly enhanced, see Bluetooth versions for version details.

Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping
Bluetooth is a personal area network (WPAN) that continuously changes its frequency. It randomly changes to one of 79 channels 1,600 times per second in the same unlicensed 2.4 GHz band as Wi-Fi. See spread spectrum.

Scandinavian Origins
Named after ancient King Harald Blatan of Denmark, Sweden-based Ericsson developed Bluetooth and co-founded the governing body in 1998 (www.bluetooth.com). Bluetooth is also an IEEE personal area network (PAN) standard (see 802.15). Supporting point-to-point and multipoint architectures (see piconet), there are billions of Bluetooth devices in use. See Bluetooth glossary.

Bluetooth = Headset

Because they are were so ubiquitous, "Bluetooth" initially became synonymous with "headset." However, Bluetooth connects many other devices.

Game Controllers

This "gamepad" from Sony uses Bluetooth to communicate with the PlayStation3 game console. See video game controller. (Image courtesy of Sony Corporation.)

Blue Teeth!!

This Oral-B toothbrush sends elapsed time to the app in the user's smartphone via Bluetooth to monitor brushing time and history.

The Bluetooth Logo

The stylized "B" displayed on this cellphone means it has been synchronized with a Bluetooth device.